Dangerous Mixers

Like a blowout in a rainstorm, certain things just don't go well together. And when you're banking on a baby blocker to keep you kid-free, anything that messes with how well it works should be flagged.

We talked to Kent Holtorf, M.D., and medical director of Holtorf Medical Group, which studies women's health and endocrinology, to find out which drugs should go on your watch list. Discuss these common drug examples (not all are listed) with your doctor. You may need to use a backup contraceptive method, or take a higher or lower-dose pill with these scripts.

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Antibiotics:

Rifampin, used to treat Tuberculosis and bacterial infections

Tetracycline, often used to treat acne

Ampicillin and Amoxicillin, used to treat bacterial infections such as UTIs

Anti-seizure and migraine medications:

Phenobarbital, used to treat seizures and sometimes insomnia

Carbamazepine, used to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and sometimes ADHD and schizophrenia

Topamax (active ingredient Topiramate), used to treat migraines and epilepsy

Anti-fungal medications:

Griseofulvin, used to treat skin infections like athlete's foot

Nystatin, used to treat infections like yeast infections

Anti-anxiety medications:

Benzodiazepine

Antidepressants:

Prozac

Celexa

Zoloft

HIV medicines:Ask your doctor about any HIV meds you may take. They can affect the hormone levels in your body, which can alter the effectiveness of the Pill.

Respiratory medications:

Theophylline, used to treat respiratory diseases like COPD or asthma

Diabetic medications:

Avandia

Natural supplements:Because they are not standardized, natural supplements do not have to list drug interactions on their labels like other medications. Tell your doctor about any supplements you take before starting a hormonal birth control method. This is especially true for:

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